as in reactions
a strong public response against something
There was swift backlash to the senator's controversial comments.
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Recent Examples of backlashes
Previous backlashes led to laws like California’s Proposition 13, a 1978 initiative that limited property tax rates and how much local governments could increase property valuations for tax purposes.
—
Jeff Amy, Los Angeles Times, 1 Feb. 2026
Throughout history, disruptive technologies have often provoked violent backlashes.
—Craig S. Smith, Forbes.com, 21 Jan. 2026
Unless major economies accept equivalent limits on their ability to manage credit, currencies, and external accounts, the world will see recurring beggar-thy-neighbor tensions, protectionist backlashes, and a fragmented trading order.
—Michael Pettis, Foreign Affairs, 17 Nov. 2025
In recent years, companies like Zara, Anthropologie and Patowl have faced similar backlashes over designs or motifs perceived as too similar to traditional works.
—Isa Cardona, CNN Money, 6 Aug. 2025
Jeff Amy, Los Angeles Times, 1 Feb. 2026
Throughout history, disruptive technologies have often provoked violent backlashes.
—Craig S. Smith, Forbes.com, 21 Jan. 2026
Unless major economies accept equivalent limits on their ability to manage credit, currencies, and external accounts, the world will see recurring beggar-thy-neighbor tensions, protectionist backlashes, and a fragmented trading order.
—Michael Pettis, Foreign Affairs, 17 Nov. 2025
In recent years, companies like Zara, Anthropologie and Patowl have faced similar backlashes over designs or motifs perceived as too similar to traditional works.
—Isa Cardona, CNN Money, 6 Aug. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for backlashes
reactions
Noun
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Her style is confrontational and seemingly fearless, often provoking hugely divergent reactions from critics and fans.—
Emily Zemler,
Los Angeles Times,
11 Feb. 2026
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Below, Billboard speaks with Ryan Trey about his musical transition, navigating fan reactions and expectations, wrestling with AI advancements and randomly running into The Biebs in Los Angeles.—
Kyle Denis,
Billboard,
11 Feb. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Backlashes.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/backlashes. Accessed 12 Feb. 2026.
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